Back to the future: an old Californian race track gets a contemporary makeover
The Santa Anita Race Track in California has always been the place to go to enjoy some of the area's most important events on the racing calendar. Now, thanks to a facelift from Los Angeles-based architects Studio Antares, this 80-year old sports facility is starting to make its mark in the world of architecture and design too.
Studio Antares was faced with the challenge of renovating the club suites of the 1934-built race track to create vibrant, contemporary spaces, where the track's long tradition and history might still be appreciated.
The 400-foot long row of renovated suites perches above the original grand stands and each space has been transformed into a sleek, multifunctional haven, offering spectacular views of both the track and the San Gabriel Mountains in the distance. Traditional materials such as the dark wooden floors, leather seats and large black-and-white photo-murals nod to the space's history, while the use of bright colours, metal panelling and smooth concrete spur it on towards a modern future.
Thanks to retractable glass partitions, spectators are thrust headfirst into the excitement of the track, while the varying floor and ceiling heights offer the upholstered benches at the back of the box a comfortable view of the race below. Pavel Getov of Studio Antares explains that due to the social nature of the races, 'the suites are designed as relaxed spaces, more like a lounge or living room.'
'The design goal was to create an environment where new and old coexist and complement each other' says Getov. By interweaving the Race Track's past with its future, the architects have created an energetic and engaging space, bringing the excitement back to the track.
Wallpaper* Newsletter + Free Download
For a free digital copy of August Wallpaper*, celebrating Creative America, sign up today to receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories
-
Commune’s sustainable personal care products look ‘quite unlike anything else’
Commune’s Somerset-made products stand out in the sustainable skincare crowd. Madeleine Rothery speaks with the brand’s co-founders Kate Neal and Rémi Paringaux
By Madeleine Rothery Published
-
‘Hedonistic and avant-garde’: Rabanne’s Julian Dossena on the legacy of the chainmail 1969 bag
Paco Rabanne’s 1969 chainmail handbag encapsulates the late designer’s futuristic, space-age style. Current creative director Julien Dossena tells Wallpaper* about the bag’s particular pleasures
By Jack Moss Published
-
Postcard from Paris: Olympic fever takes over the streets
On the eve of the opening ceremony of Paris 2024, our correspondent shares her views from the streets of the capital about how the event is impacting the urban landscape.
By Minako Norimatsu Published
-
The best gyms around the world for design buffs in 2018
By Mary Cleary Last updated
-
Skate park design goes to the British seaside with Guy Hollaway’s F51
F51 is Folkestone's brand new, dedicated, multistorey skate park, courtesy of the Roger De Haan Charitable Trust and Hollaway Studio
By Ellie Stathaki Last updated
-
Community centre architecture redefined: Holborn House by 6a and Caragh Thuring opens
Holborn House by 6a Architects and Caragh Thuring opens for the Holborn Community Association in London, bridging art and community architecture with people at its heart
By Ellie Stathaki Last updated
-
Pink concrete skatepark is a striking urban landmark in the Chihuahuan Desert
A team of architects, landscape designers, sociologists and urban planners came together to create La Duna, a fine example of skatepark architecture on the northern border of Mexico
By Ellie Stathaki Last updated
-
New York wellness retreats for plane-free escapes
Jump on a train to recharge, restore and explore at these New York wellness retreats, all just a short ride from NYC
By Tilly Macalister-Smith Last updated
-
Last chance to play: Yinka Ilori's colourful basketball court in Canary Wharf is a slam dunk
Artist and designer Yinka Ilori applied his signature colourful geometries to his design for this new public basketball court in Canary Wharf, London
By Rosa Bertoli Last updated
-
Building muscle: London architecture walks and runs
Try these London architecture walks and runs for some physical and intellectual edification
By Simon Mills Last updated
-
Janne Tuunanen captures modernist architecture of renovated Helsinki Olympic Stadium
Photographer Janne Tuunanen captures the sharp modernist architecture of the recently renovated Helsinki Olympic Stadium in Finland in his latest series
By Ellie Stathaki Published